performance capture

American  

[per-fawr-muhns kap-cher] / pərˈfɔr məns ˌkæp tʃər /

noun

1. a data collection technique in which the detailed movements and facial expressions of live actors are tracked, recorded, and rendered to create animations, as for computer-generated characters in a motion picture.

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Etymology

Origin of performance capture

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

It's no secret the Avatar films are a gigantic technical feat - pushing the boundaries of cinematography, animation and performance capture.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

The facility will also house camera tracking, performance capture and lighting systems, as well as classrooms and labs with computers equipped with real-time 3D design software and digital asset libraries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

“I’ve wanted to play a performance capture ape since I was a little kid,” Teague said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

Its Medusa performance capture system has been used to reconstruct actors' faces without using traditional motion-capture techniques, and this technology has been used in more than 40 films, including Marvel Entertainment's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

From Reuters • Aug. 8, 2023

In past ceremonies, the performance capture has suffered from wonky camera placement and nonsensical moves between close-ups and wide shots.

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2023